Portland, Oregon, 28th October 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, The 2026 Cupbearer’s Guild Awards Launch as the First Major Spirits Competition of the Year Celebrating craftsmanship, credibility, and connections that matter.
QUICK READ: The 2026 Cupbearer’s Guild Awards, the first major spirits competition of the year, opens entries through December 18, 2025, celebrating craftsmanship and real-world appeal with blind-tasted judging by hospitality and retail professionals.
The Cupbearer’s Guild announced the opening of entries for the 2026 Cupbearer’s Guild Awards, the first major spirits competition of the new year. Judging results will be revealed on January 16, 2026, with entries accepted through December 18, 2025, at www.cupbearerguild.com.
Designed to honor excellence in both quality and consumer resonance, the Cupbearer’s Guild Awards bring together a panel of bartenders, retail buyers, and licensed trade professionals who evaluate spirits through 100% blind tasting. This approach ensures every decision is based solely on merit, craftsmanship, and real-world appeal.
A Competition with Purpose
The Cupbearer’s Guild Awards highlight spirits that connect with consumers and thrive in on- and off-premise settings — bridging the perspectives of industry professionals who understand what truly performs in today’s market.
Unlike critic-based judging, the Guild’s model emphasizes authentic, trade-informed recognition that helps producers better understand how their spirits are perceived by working professionals across the hospitality and retail landscape.
Recognition that Resonates
In addition to traditional awards — Bronze, Silver, Gold, Double Gold, and Triple Gold — the Guild collaborates with industry stakeholders to spotlight winning brands through professional exposure opportunities and visibility within the hospitality community.
Note: Any subsequent placements or mentions of awarded products occur independently through participating trade members or venues in accordance with all federal and state regulations.
Entry Information
- Registration Opens: October 18, 2025
- Bottle Deadline: December 18, 2025
- Judging Announcement: January 16, 2026
- Entry Fee: $395 (includes shipping)
- Entry Requirement: Two (2) 750ml bottles per submission, with free ground shipping in the continental U.S.
About The Cupbearer’s Guild
The Cupbearer’s Guild is a collective of hospitality and beverage professionals dedicated to elevating craft, integrity, and innovation within the spirits industry. Through education, recognition, and collaboration, the Guild fosters meaningful connections between producers and the trade.
Elizabeth Gessesse
